The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code

A dress should match the destination—but more importantly, it should match the invitation. Whether you’re traveling to a beachy escape like St. Barths or Anguilla during the winter, a high-desert luxury sanctuary, or a snowy pre-holiday wedding in your hometown, the dress code can be vastly different for winter weddings in different locales, so taking a close look at instructions is key: Are you in need of a floor-length formal gown, black-tie attire, or vibrant cocktail dress patterned with seasonal botanicals? Once you’ve got that down, you can blend in your own personal style.

To make the shopping process a bit easier, I’ve found an array of winter wedding guest dress styles that will match the dress code and venue alike, from loose-fitting, breathable linens for beach wedding destinations to glitzy evening gowns that can be gallivanted around a wedding dance floor—and then again at a holiday party. Keep scrolling for all of the winter wedding guest dresses I’m loving this season or jump straight to the dress code you’re shopping for.

Top picks:

For the black-tie ceremony

Bec and Bridge Melody V-neck maxi dress

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For the festive affair

Tuckernuck Oxblood dupioni bow esme dress

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For the cocktail party

Petal and Pup Melody plisse halter maxi dress

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For the warm-weather destination

Andreas Oriano The Serafina dress

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Black-tie weddings

If your friend’s wedding invitation in Chamonix or Vail says “black tie,” don’t panic. Think of this as a moment to wear the most glamorous, elevated piece in your closet. (Or, since you’re here, an excuse to buy something new.) Men will be in tuxedos, while women will be expected to wear posh, floor-length gowns. Luckily, a simple and timeless silhouette with equally enduring colors—think black, charcoal, deep jewel tones—doesn’t have to break the bank. Your fanciest gown can be something like a boat-neck dress with a slight train. Or perhaps you’d like to go all in on something opulent and exaggerated, like L’idée’s shimmery option. Whatever your pick, expect white-glove service at the venue, and a night of dancing in a gown that makes you feel equally as incredible as the Champagne tastes.